Prototypes of Mercedes-Benz’s all-new C63 AMG have shed much of their disguise to reveal a aggressive styling and aconfident stance. The new performance saloon will hit the UK early next year after a public debut at the LA motor show in November.

The saloon is one of four new C63 AMG models earmarked for introduction within the next two years and destined to rival the Audi RS4 and new BMW M3/M4.

Like other new C-class models, it will be bigger and more upmarket than its predecessor. It will feature a classy, roomier interior and more advanced features than ever before, including new state-of-the-art stereo and camera-assisted safety functions and a full suite of connectivity options.

At the heart of the C63 is AMG’s new twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine. Set to be revealed in the Mercedes GT AMG, the aluminium-block unit shares vital architectural elements with the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine used in the A45, CLA45 and GLA45.

Details remain under wraps, but AMG sources suggest that the new V8 develops between 480bhp and 580bhp, depending on the level of tune. A source said: “We can go higher if required by increasing boost pressure. But for the moment, we’re happy with the levels we’ve achieved.”

The unit earmarked for the new C63 will be at the lower end of the scale but above the 451bhp of the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 used by the current C63. The adoption of forced induction also promises to lift peak torque well beyond 442lb ft at far lower revs than the 5000rpm of today’s C63.

Channelling the drive on the new car is an updated version of AMG’s seven-speed Speedshift automatic gearbox, with new software mapping and fuel-saving features such as brake energy recuperation, automatic stop-start and a new coasting function.

Despite strong sales of recent four-wheel-drive models, AMG boss Tobias Moers denied that it is planned for the new C63. “You should never say never, but for the foreseeable future we will not offer it,” he said.

The car will have standard traction-enhancing measures such as an electronic locking differential and torque vectoring. Its new aluminium-intensive platform structure is claimed to help reduce its weight to below the 1655kg of today’s model to provide it with an improved power-to-weight ratio.

As a result, the new C63 promises to eclipse the straight-line performance of its predecessor, which hits 62mph in a claimed 4.5sec on the way to a top speed limited to 155mph.

Mercedes plans to launch four variants of the new C63. Along with the saloon pictured above, estate, coupé and cabriolet variants will go on sale by the end of 2016.